Difficulty across military 'A' schools - any insights?

Hey all, I'm doing some research on post-high-school options and I've come across 'A' Schools in the military. I've heard they can be difficult but does anyone have any insight on this? What makes them challenging and how do they differ across branches?

'A' Schools, or Advanced Training Schools, in the military are where enlisted service members go after basic training. They're specialized courses that prepare individuals for their particular specialty in the service. The coursework, expectations, and difficulty can vary widely depending on the career field and branch of service. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Academic Rigor - Depending on the job, the academic element can be rigorous. For instance, in positions that are more technical like Information Systems Technology or Nuclear Field, the 'A' School can be equivalent to an intense crash course in the subject area.

2. Physical Requirements - Some 'A' Schools, particularly those in fields with a high degree of physical activity like Special Operations or a Navy Seal, have high physical demands. The fitness expectations may be elevated in comparison to basic training.

3. High-Paced and Intense - 'A' Schools are often intense and fast-paced. They're designed to provide lots of information and hands-on experience in a relatively short period.

As for how they differ across branches, certain jobs are exclusive to a particular branch, which will cause a difference in 'A' Schools. For instance, the Air Force will have avionics schools that the Army does not — and Marine Corps infantry school differs in several ways from Army infantry school.

In terms of general differences, each branch has varying standards for fitness and discipline. For instance, certain 'A' schools like those in the Marine Corps might focus more on strict discipline and intensive physical training, whereas Air Force 'A' schools might put a major emphasis on technology training.

Remember, each 'A' School is unique, so it's essential to research each offering thoroughly. Consider reaching out to current service members or military veterans to get first-hand accounts of their experiences in the specific 'A' Schools you're considering.